"You did this, didn't you?" I asked after Julian left.
"He requested it." Ares placed his hand at the small of my back and led me towards the entrance of the building.
"And you approved it. You could have easily said no."
"I know how much you were fond of him." His eyes met mine. "You see your grandfather in him."
"As a matter of fact, I do. I never realized you were that observant."
"I'm always observant, especially when it comes to you."
Heat rushed to my cheek. "I know."
When we stepped through the revolving doors, into the spacious lobby, nostalgia hit me so hard it felt like I would lose my footing. The weight of Esme and Ares' hand supporting my back gave me balance.
Ares stepped into my line of vision, and I blinked.
"What?"
"You froze all of a sudden," he said as worry drowned his eyes.
"I-I did?"
"Just like in the car. Is everything okay, baby?"
"Y-Yes, why wouldn't it be?" I asked nervously.
